Hungary 1997: Suzuki takes control

Suzuki takes the lead of the Hungarian brands ranking for the first time in 1997.

* See the Top 35 All-brands ranking by clicking on the title *

The Hungarian new car market edges up 7.4% in 1997 to 79.827 registrations. Seven years after the establishment of its new plant in Esztergom in 1991, Magyar Suzuki is now the best-selling carmaker in the country thanks to deliveries up 14% year-on-year to hit 20.1% share, the brand’s first ever year above 20% of the Hungarian market. Suzuki overthrows Opel (-17%) with Volkswagen (+44%) climbing onto the podium for the first time. After a fantastic first two years, Daewoo slows down its growth but still manages to outpace the market at +8% to 8.9% share in 4th place. In the remainder of the Top 10, Ford (+37%), Peugeot (+35%), Skoda (+33%) and Toyota (+26%) shine but Renault (-6%) struggles. Lada sinks 80% and 11 spots to #19 and we welcome the arrival of Kia, Subaru and Proton.

Previous year: Hungary 1996: Opel, Suzuki and Daewoo on top

Full Year 1997 Top 35 All-brands ranking below.